Brow Lift

This website is intended to provide you with general information only. This information is not a substitute for advice from your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and does not contain all the known facts about this procedure or every possible side effect of surgery. It is important that you speak to your surgeon before deciding to undergo surgery. If you are not sure about the benefits, risks and limitations of treatment, or anything else relating to your procedure, ask your surgeon to explain. Patient information provided as part of this website is evidence-based, and sourced from a range of reputable information providers including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Better Health Channel and Mi-tec medical publishing.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

What is brow lift surgery?

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that corrects a sagging or deeply furrowed brow. The procedure is often performed to reduce the creases, or ‘frown lines’, that develop across the forehead and on the bridge of the nose. It can also raise the eyebrows to a more alert and youthful position.

What will it do?

The aim of a brow lift is to improve facial appearance and reduce the signs of ageing by:

Non-surgical treatments, such aschemical skin peel, dermabrasion
or skin resurfacing of the face, may also be undertaken at the same time as the brow lift. The aim of these treatments is to treat sun-damaged skin and crow’s feet around the eyes, which are not removed by brow lift surgery.

Is it right for me?

Brow lift surgery is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Always talk to your Specialist Plastic Surgeon before making a decision. Your surgeon will assess your condition and general health, and plan the treatment that is best suited to you.

Before you decide on a brow lift, there are some important issues to keep in mind:

If you are most concerned about the area around your eyes, eyelid surgery may be more appropriate than a brow lift or may be combined with a brow lift. Discuss your options with your surgeon

Brow lift surgery does not “stop the clock” of ageing. The normal ageing process will continue after the surgery. Any major changes in lifestyle, including your weight, after surgery could affect how you look

Smokers are at increased risk of complications from any surgery. If you are serious about undergoing cosmetic surgery, you should quit smoking

Brow lift surgery may not be a good option for you if you are:

Not able to have an anaesthetic

Prone to bleeding tendencies or have poor healing ability

Too high risk of having surgical complications

Brow lift surgery may be a good option for you if:

You have sagging of your eyebrows

You have deep creases in your forehead

You have crows feet or deep frown lines at the root of your nose

You are physically healthy and you do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery

You have realistic expectations of what brow lift surgery can accomplish

You are a non-smoker or have stopped smoking

Will I need anaesthesia?

Brow lift surgery can be performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia. If the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, the patient often receives a sedative administered into a vein and is sleepy during the procedure.

Your surgeon and/or anaesthetist will ask you about all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Make sure you have an up to date list before the surgery.

What are the potential risks and complications?

Modern surgery is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur.

Some general risks and complications of surgery may include:

Heavy bleeding from an operated site

Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases

Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions

Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)

Keloids and hypertrophic scars that are raised, red and thickened scars. These scars may form over the healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health

Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia

Numbness may be replaced by intense itchiness, which typically resolves within several months as nerves heal

No movement or poor movement of the forehead muscles in the first days after surgery

In rare cases, permanent injury to the nerves that control eyebrow movement can result in asymmetry of the eyebrows. Revisional surgery may be necessary to improve appearance

The hairline may raise slightly

Temporary hair loss may occur near the treated area

Hair thinning or loss may appear next to the line of incision

Revisional surgery may be necessary to correct complications

Where will the surgery take place?

Depending upon your general health and the extent of the procedure, brow lift surgery can be performed either as a day case or alternatively with a short hospital stay. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will advise on the best option for you.

What do I need to do before surgery?

Before undergoing surgery, it is important that you:

Be as fit as possible to help the recovery process

Check with your surgeon about your medications as some may need to be stopped

Stop smoking

You will also be asked to provide a complete medical history for your Specialist Plastic Surgeon including any health problems you have had, any medication you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have.

You may be advised to stop taking certain medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and medicines that contain aspirin. You may also be asked to stop taking naturopathic substances such as garlic, ginkgo, ginseng and St John’s Wort as they may affect clotting and anaesthesia. Always tell your surgeon EVERYTHING you are taking.

Unless your surgeon advises differently, you will be able to continue taking most medicines that you have been taking.

Your surgeon will also advise you if any other tests are required, such as blood tests, X-ray examinations or an Electrocardiograph (ECG) to assess your heart.

If you decide to have brow lift surgery, your surgeon will ask you to sign a consent form. Make sure you read the consent form carefully before signing. If you have any questions, ask your surgeon.

Prepare a “recovery area” in your home. This may include pillows, ice packs, a thermometer and a telephone within easy reach. Make sure you arrange for a relative or friend to drive you to and from the hospital or clinic. Someone should also stay with you for at least 24 hours after you return home.

You can usually drink fluids and eat a light meal within two or three hours after surgery. You may have some pain and discomfort, particularly around the incisions. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will prescribe pain medication as required.

Some bruising and swelling is normal, and may take up to a few weeks to disappear. Sleeping with your head elevated will help to reduce the swelling. You may also experience some numbness of the scalp behind the scar, which is normal and usually permanent.

In some cases, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may need to take a few days off work to rest. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming and strenuous sports until advised by your surgeon.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, notify your surgeon immediate:

Temperature higher than 38°C or chills

Heavy bleeding from the incisions

Worsening redness around the incision sites

Increasing pain or tenderness, or other problems that appear to be worsening

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on post-operative care. These instructions may include:

How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery

Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection

Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site(s) or in your general health

When to follow-up with your surgeon

Be sure to ask your surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period, such as:

Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?

What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?

Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? If so, when will they be removed?

Are stitches removed? When will they be removed?

When can I resume normal activity and exercise?

When do I return for follow-up care?

Will I have scarring?

Scars are an inevitable part of any invasive surgery. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will endeavour to minimise scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible by locating the incisions in easily hidden sites. That way, scars will be along natural skin lines and creases. Scars may fade with time and become barely noticeable. If you are prone to scarring, you should advise your surgeon.

Will I need revisional surgery?

As with all surgical procedures, revisional surgery may be necessary to correct minor irregularities.

What are the costs associated with this procedure?

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for individual procedures can vary widely between Specialist Plastic Surgeons. Some factors that may influence the cost include the surgeon’s experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic location of the office.

Costs associated with the procedure may include:

Surgeon’s fee

Hospital or surgical facility costs

Anaesthesia fees

Prescriptions for medication

Post-surgery garments

Medical tests

Your surgeon should welcome any questions you may have regarding fees.

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About ASPS

Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons Inc (ASPS) is the peak body for Specialist Plastic Surgeons (both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery). Our main role is to protect the integrity of Plastic Surgery as a specialty. Our mission is to provide the highest quality plastic surgery care to all Australians.